After several minor point releases: iOS 11.0.1, iOS 11.0.2 and iOS 11.0.3, Apple has finally released the first major point iOS 11.1 release for iPhone and iPad. The 329.2MB update (for iPhone 8 Plus, may vary for other devices) is available now for download OTA.
Since it debuted on 19 September 2017, iOS 11 has seen several quick successions of updates from Apple, alongside releases of developer betas, including the latest iOS 11.2 Beta.
The first quick update fixed synchronisation issues with Outlook.com, Office 365 or Exchange Server 2016.
iOS 11.0.2 fixed crackly audio during phone calls on the iPhone 8, as well as other bug fixes and improvements for the iPhone and iPad.
The following update, iOS 11.0.3 included bug fixes for iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 6s. Prior to the update some iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus devices had issues with audio and haptic feedback. The iPhone 6s on the other hand, had an issue where touch input was unresponsive if they were not serviced with genuine Apple parts.
Now with the major iOS 11.1 release, Apple has introduced over 70 new emojis, ranging from new food types, animals, mythical creatures, clothing options, more expressive smiley faces, gender-neutral characters and more. Some existing emojis have also been tweaked.
Apple has also brought back the 3D multitasking gesture that was removed in previous iterations of iOS 11.
The iOS 11.1 update also comes with a fix for the WPA2 KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability.
Official release notes for iOS 11.1:
iOS 11.1 introduces over 70 new emoji and includes bug fixes and improvements.
Emoji
- Over 70 new emoji characters including new food types, animals, mythical creatures, clothing options, more expressive smiley faces, gender-neutral characters and more
Photos
- Resolves an issue that could cause some photos to appear blurry
- Addresses an issue that could cause Live Photo effects to playback slowly
- Fixes an issue that could cause some photos to not display in the People album when restoring from an iCloud Backup
- Fixes an issue that could impact performance when swiping between screenshots
Accessibility
- Improves braille support for Grade 2 input
- Improves VoiceOver access to multi-page PDFs
- Improves VoiceOver rotor actions for announcing incoming notifications
- Improves VoiceOver rotor actions menu when removing an app from the App Switcher
- Fixes an issue for some users where alternative keys would not display when using VoiceOver with Touch Typing
- Fixes an issue where VoiceOver rotor would always return to default action in Mail
- Fixes an issue where VoiceOver rotor would not delete messages
Other improvements and fixes
- Adds back support for accessing the app switcher by pressing on edge of display with 3D Touch
- Fixes an issue that caused cleared Mail notifications to reappear on Lock screen
- Fixes an issue in enterprise environments that prevented data from being moved between managed apps
- Fixes an issue with some 3rd-party GPS accessories that caused inaccuracies in location data
- Resolves an issue where settings for Heart Rate notifications were appearing in Apple Watch app (1st generation)
- Fixes an issue where app icons were not appearing in notifications on Apple Watch
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
How to update
To update your device, open Settings and head over to General > Software Update. Download and install. Your device will need to have at least 50% battery to perform the update, or have it plugged into a power outlet.
